Arm exercising device

ABSTRACT

The invention is directed to an arm exercising device having a base assembly with a base handle telescopically extendable from a first end of the base assembly. An arm actuator is pivotally mounted to the base assembly. A user interface is connected to the arm actuator to allow a user to pivot the arm actuator relative to the base assembly. A resistance medium is mounted between the arm actuator and the base assembly and provides resistance for the user as the arm actuator pivots in on or more directions with respect to the base assembly. In addition to providing a device for working the tendons and muscles of the shoulders and arms, this device is also collapsible for easy transport of the device. The base assembly and arm actuator are telescopic and are a fraction of their extended length when moved to the retracted position. Additionally, the user interface has a hollow cavity for receiving an holding an elbow pad that can be used to cushion the elbow of the user during operation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/380,102, filed May 6, 2002.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a portable apparatus for exercising and conditioning the muscles of the arm and shoulder. More particularly, the present invention relates to an arm exercising device that exercises the users arm and shoulders by mimicking the range of motion found in the sport of arm wrestling.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In the physical fitness and therapy fields it is often necessary for individuals to undergo exercises that will strengthen and condition an individual's arms including the tendons of the shoulder region. Frequently athletes such as tennis players, golfers, baseball pitchers, football quarterbacks, hockey player, etc. suffer from overexerted and straining tendons in the elbow and shoulder region. Similarly individuals who have undergone surgery for a torn rotor cuff or other type of shoulder surgery will have a similar need for strengthening the tendons in their shoulder and arms so that they can improve their mobility after surgery. Tendon strengthening exercises are much needed in both the sports and physical therapy industries. However, because of the range of motion involved very few exercise devices have been developed that specifically focus on strengthening both the tendons and muscles in the arm.

[0004] One sport that improves both tendon and muscle strength is arm wrestling. The range of motion that an arm wrestler experiences strengthens both of the bicep and deltoid muscles as well as the tendons associated with the bicep and deltoid. The reason for this is that the range of motion in arm wrestling involves radial movement of the upper arm, thus exerting the tendon which is something that is not commonly achieved using many conventional exercise means.

[0005] Oftentimes individuals who focus on strengthening the tendons in their shoulder are patients who have undergone shoulder surgery that are in physical therapy. These individuals will often receive instructions for exercises that involve the radial movement of the upper arm. Oftentimes the patient will require some form of resistance during their exercises. Patients are often given rubber bands or elastic rubber sheets need to be connected to a stationary object such as a door handle. Once the elastic material is attached in a stationary manner patients can perform exercises by pulling the material through the range of motion that will exert resistance on the tendons in the shoulder and arm. However, such methods of providing resistance are somewhat archaic in that they do not provide the user with a consistent range of motion, and can also be somewhat discouraging to use since the user is forced to locate or make room for a suitable location to perform his or her exercises. Additionally there is a problem of inconsistent motion since the user may “cheat” and use improper form when carrying out their exercises using elastic rubber material for resistance. Therefore, there is a need in the physical therapy and sports industry for an apparatus that is portable, easy to use, and will provide the user with a sufficient and proper way of exercising the muscles and tendons of the arm and shoulder.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The invention is directed to a portable arm exercising device for strengthening the tendons and muscles of the arms and shoulders. The arm exercising device has a base assembly with a base handle telescopically extendable from a first end of the base assembly. An arm actuator is pivotally mounted to the base assembly. A user interface is connected to the arm actuator to allow a user to pivot the arm actuator relative to the base assembly. A resistance medium is mounted between the arm actuator and the base assembly and provides resistance for the user as the arm actuator pivots in on or more directions with respect to the base assembly. In addition to providing a device for working the tendons and muscles of the shoulders and arms, this device is also collapsible for easy transport of the device. The base assembly and arm actuator are telescopic and are a fraction of their extended length when moved to the retracted position. Additionally, the user interface has a hollow cavity for receiving and holding an elbow pad that can be used to cushion the elbow of the user during operation.

[0007] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0009]FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an arm exercising device as shown in the expanded position;

[0010]FIG. 1a is a perspective view of the elbow pad aligning and being inserted into the elbow pad locking mechanism of the hinge;

[0011]FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the invention with each of the individual components aligned for assembly;

[0012]FIG. 3 is a side view of the arm exercising device in the collapsed portable position;

[0013]FIG. 4 is a side view of the arm exercising device with the elbow pad removed from the hollow channel of the grip handle;

[0014]FIG. 5 is a side view of the invention showing the telescopic capability of the arm actuator; and

[0015]FIG. 5a is a plan view of the adjuster located on the arm actuator shaft.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

[0017] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 an arm exercise device 10 is depicted. The arm exercising device 10 has a base assembly 12 with a longitudinally extending telescopic shaft 13 with a base handle 14 attached. The telescopic shaft 13 extends from a first end 16 of the base assembly 12. The telescopic shaft 13 can be extended or retracted by sliding the telescopic shaft 13 into the base assembly 12 via the first end 16. In order to lock the telescopic shaft 13 in either the extended or retracted position, a drop lock 15 is connected to the base assembly 12. The drop lock 15 has a pin that drops through the side of the base assembly 12 to contact the telescopic shaft 13. The telescopic shaft has two drop lock holes 17 drilled into the telescopic shaft 13 that are configured to allow the post of the drop lock 15 to drop into one of the drop lock holes 17 to lock the telescopic shaft 13 in either the extended or retracted position. The drop lock in this particular embodiment operates by using gravity; however, it is possible to incorporate a spring loaded drop lock 15.

[0018] A second end 18 of the base assembly 12 is connected to a hinge 20 a, 20 b which rotatably connects some of the moveable components to the base assembly 12. Mounted to the hinge 20 a, 20 b is an actuator shaft 28 that has an arm actuator 22 that telescopically slides over the open end of the actuator shaft 28. The arm actuator 22 has a user interface 24 that allows a user to operate the arm exercising device 10. As depicted in the present embodiment of the invention the user interface 24 is a grip handle 26, however, it is possible to incorporate other various types of user interfaces such as wrist straps, T-bars, or ropes. Virtually any type of user interface can be incorporated on the arm exercising device 10. The various interfaces are only limited by the range of motion obtained by use of the arm exercising device 10.

[0019] A tension mounting shaft 32 is also connected to the hinge 20. The tension mounting shaft 32 in combination with a pair of tension bands 30 a, 30 b make up a resistance medium that provides resistance to the user during operation of the arm exercising device 10. The tension mounting shaft 32 has a first end 34 that is pivotally connected to the hinge 20 a, 20 b and a second end 36 that is connected to a band mount 38.

[0020] The tension bands 30 a, 30 b are generally made of rubber material that is molded so that mounting holes are located near a first end 40 a, 40 b and a second end 42 a, 42 b of the tension bands 30 a, 30 b. The first end 40 a, 40 b is connected to the band mount 38, and the second end 42 a, 42 b is connected to an adjuster 44 slidably located on the actuator shaft 28. The tension bands provide resistance when they are pulled and stretched in the longitudinal direction when the arm actuator 22 and actuator shaft 28 pivot away from the tension mounting shaft 32. FIG. 1 shows the movement of the arm actuator 22 as depicted with an arrow and phantom lines at 22 a. When the arm actuator 22 and the actuator shaft 28 are moved back toward the tension mounting shaft 32, resistance decreases and stops as the tension bands 30 a, 30 b contract to a rested or unstreched state. In order to prevent the tension mounting shaft 32 from rotating with the arm actuator 22 and actuator shaft 28 a pin lock 46 is disposed through a pin lock hole 48 located in the hinge 20 a, 20 b. The pin lock 46 locks the tension mounting shaft 32 in place when the arm exercising device 10 is in the expanded position and being operated.

[0021] The tension bands 30 a, 30 b are removable and are held onto the band mount 38 and adjuster 44 using clips 31. Therefore, while this particular embodiment depicts the use of two tension bands 30 a, 30 b, it is possible to vary the amount of resistance by incorporating a greater or lesser number of tension bands 30 a, 30 b depending on the amount of tension desired by the user. Additionally, it is also possible to incorporate tension bands 30 a, 30 b that have a different degree of elasticity, thus making the resistance lesser or greater. For each of the above variations it will only require removing the clips 31 and changing the number or type of tension bands 30 a, 30 b.

[0022] It should also be known that it is possible to use other mechanisms of resistance for the arm exercising device 10. The arm exercising device 10 could easily be modified to incorporate resistance mediums such as springs or weights. Additionally it is also possible to use friction between the actuator shaft 28 and the hinge 20 a, 20 b for providing resistance. Such an embodiment would involve tightening the connection between the actuator shaft 28 and the hinge 20 a, 20 b.

[0023] An elbow pad 50 connects to the hinge 20 and supports the elbow of a user during operation. As shown in FIG. 2 the elbow pad 50 rests on top of an elbow pad base 52. An elbow pad shaft 54 extends from the elbow pad base 52. The elbow pad shaft 54 has a raised notch 56 located along the surface of the elbow pad shaft 54. The elbow pad 50 connects to the arm exercising device 10 by sliding into one of two elbow pad locks 58 a, 58 b located on the hinge 20 a, 20 b. The present embodiment of the invention depicts two separate elbow pad locks 58 a, 58 b located on opposite sides of the hinge 20 a, 20 b to allow for the elbow pad 50 to be positioned on either side of the arm exercising device 10. This permits the arm exercising device 10 to be used with both of the user's left and right arms.

[0024]FIG. 1a depicts a close up view of the elbow pad locks 58 a, 58 b located on the hinge 20 a, 20 b. The insertion of the elbow pad 50 is depicted in solid and phantom lines. The elbow pad locks 58 a, 58 b include holes 60 a, 60 b drilled into the surface of the hinge 20 a, 20 b. The holes 60 a, 60 b (seen best in FIG. 2) are configured to slidably receive the elbow pad shaft 54. Each of the holes 60 a, 60 b have a groove 64 a, 64 b (seen best in FIG. 2) that allows for alignment of the elbow pad shaft 54 using the raised notch 56. Once the elbow pad shaft 54 is positioned inside of the holes 60 a, 60 b a pivotable latch 62 a, 62 b slides down to cover the opening of the groove 64 a, 64 b to lock the elbow pad 50 in place.

[0025]FIG. 3 depicts a side plan view of the arm exercising device 10 in the collapsed portable position. One particularly advantageous characteristic of the arm exercising device 10 is that it collapses to a fraction of its length and height to make it more compact and portable for the user. This makes the arm exercising device 10 ideal for persons who travel, as well as for use in medical facilities such as hospitals or physical rehabilitation clinics where it may be necessary to transport the arm exercising device 10 from room to room without the hassle of having to move a large bulky apparatus.

[0026] When the arm exercising device 10 is in the collapsed position or phase the length of the base assembly 12 is shortened by sliding the telescopic shaft 13 inside of the base assembly 12. The telescopic shaft is locked in place using a pin lock 46. The pin lock 46 is removed from the pin lock hole 48 on the hinge 20 b. This unlocks the tension mounting shaft 32 and allows it to pivot with respect to the hinge 20 b. The tension mounting shaft 32 then pivots forward allowing the arm actuator 22 and actuator shaft 28 to pivot downward toward the base assembly 12 until the actuator shaft 28 contacts the top of the post lock 72.

[0027] At this point the arm actuator 22 and actuator shaft 28 are parallel with the base assembly 12. As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 the elbow pad 50 is stored by sliding the elbow pad shaft 54 into a hollow channel 66 that extends longitudinally through the grip handle 26. Once the elbow pad 50 is connected to the grip handle 26 can be rotated so the elbow pad 50 rests against the tension bands 30 a, 30 b. The arm actuator 22 also slides down to contact the adjuster 44 and places tension on the tension mounting shaft 32, tension bands 30 a, 30 b and the actuator shaft 28. The tension prevents the actuator shaft 28 and the tension mounting shaft 32 from moving during transport. As shown in FIG. 3 the pin lock 46 can be inserted into a hole in the side of the actuator shaft 28 to maintain tension on the adjuster 44 that is asserted by the arm actuator 22.

[0028]FIG. 5 depicts a variation of the arm exercising device 10′ wherein a collar 78 is slidably connected to the tension mounting shaft 32. With the exception of the variations mentioned herein, all other aspects of FIG. 5 are the same for all embodiments of this invention. The collar 78 replaces the need to have a removable pin lock 46. When the collar 78 slides down the tension mounting shaft 32 to abut the hinge 20, the tension mounting shaft 32 will be secured without the need for further reinforcement. This variation also uses a modified hinge 20 b′ that is square shaped to allow better contact between the collar 78 and the hinge 20 b′. Additionally, FIG. 5 depicts the telescopic capability of the arm actuator 22 with respect to the actuator shaft 28. This feature is characteristic among all previously mentioned embodiments of the invention. The telescopic capability of the arm actuator 22 accommodates for the various arm length and exercise techniques of various individual users of the arm exercising device 10. This particular embodiment of the invention does not utilize any locks for holding the arm actuator 22 at a determined height along the actuator shaft 28. Instead the arm actuator 22 is held in place at a desired height along the actuator shaft 28 by force since it will not move when the arm actuator 22 and actuator shaft 28 are pivoting during an exercise operation.

[0029]FIG. 5a is an enlarged plan view of the adjuster 44 from viewpoint 5 a-5 a. The adjuster 44 has a collar 74 slidably disposed eccentrically around actuator shaft 28. Collar 74 has a post 76 that extends perpendicularly into the center of the collar 74. The adjuster 44 functions by sliding the collar 74 to a desired position on the actuator shaft 28. Once a user desired position is selected the collar 74 can be removably locked in place by inserting the post 76 into one of several holes 70 located along the longitudinal axis of the actuator shaft 28. Moving the adjuster 44 up or down along the length of the actuator shaft 28 changes the distribution of resistance setting of the arm exercising device 10. This affects the distribution or amount of resistance that will be experienced as the arm actuator 22 pivots. The resistance will be greater during the initial movement of the arm actuator 22 when the collar 74 is secured at a higher height along the actuator shaft 28. Conversely, the amount of resistance will be greater near the end movement of the arm actuator 22 when the collar 74 is secured at a lower height on the actuator shaft.

[0030] In operation, when the arm exercising device 10 is moved from the portable position (or first phase) to the expanded position (or second phase) the following steps are carried out. Extending the telescopic shaft 13 and base handle 14 by sliding said telescopic shaft 13 out of the first end 16 of the base assembly 12. The telescopic shaft 13 is then locked into place by allowing the post of the drop lock 17 to drop into the drop lock hole 15 located on the telescopic shaft 13. The next step involves removing the pin lock 46 from the hole on the actuator shaft 28 to allow the arm actuator 22, tension mounting shaft 32 and tension bands 30 a, 30 b to pivot freely with respect to the hinge 20 a, 20 b. The arm actuator 22 and the actuator shaft 28 are then rotated from a substantially parallel position to the base assembly 12 to a position that is substantially perpendicular to the base assembly 12. The tension mounting shaft 34 is then locked in place by inserting the pin lock 46 into the pin lock hole 48 located on the hinge 20 a, 20 b. Insertion of the pin lock 46 prevents the tension mounting shaft 32 from rotating with the arm actuator 22 and actuator shaft 28 during operation of the arm exercising device 10.

[0031] The next step entails inserting the elbow pad 50 into the elbow pad locks 58 a, 58 b by aligning the raised notch 56 with the elbow pad shaft 54 and inserting it into the holes 60 a, 60 b. The elbow pad 50 is then held in place by pivoting the pivotable latch 62 a, 62 b downward to cover the opening of the groove 64 a, 64 b.

[0032] Now the arm exercising device 10 is ready for operation. A user can operate the device by grasping the grip handle 26. The grip handle 26 can swivel three hundred sixty degrees to allow the user to select an appropriate position. Additionally, the appropriate height of the grip handle 26 can be set by raising or lowering the arm actuator 22 with respect to the actuator shaft 28. During operation the arm actuator 22 is held in place with respect to the actuator shaft 28 through force that the user provides by pressing the arm actuator 22 against the actuator shaft 28 using the grip handle 26.

[0033] The arm exercising device may now be placed in the compact phase by reversing the above steps with the additional step of placing tension on the arm actuator 22, the actuator shaft 28, and the tension bands 30 a, 30 b. This involves sliding the arm actuator 22 against the adjuster 44 and placing the pin lock 46 into a hole located in the side of the actuator shaft 28. The pin lock 46 helps to maintain tension on the tension bands 30 a, 30 b to prevent movement during transport.

[0034] The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An arm exercising device comprising: a base assembly; a telescopic shaft having a base handle connected to the end of said telescopic shaft, wherein said telescopic shaft and said base handle are extendable from a first end of said base assembly; an arm actuator pivotally mounted to said base assembly, wherein said arm actuator has a user interface connected to said arm actuator; and a resistance medium mounted between said arm actuator and said base assembly, wherein said resistance medium provides resistance as said arm actuator pivots in one or more directions with respect to said base assembly.
 2. The arm exercising device of claim 1 further comprising an actuator shaft mounted to said base assembly, wherein said arm actuator is telescopically connected to said actuator shaft to allow height adjustment of said arm actuator.
 3. The arm exercising device of claim 2 wherein said user interface is a grip handle connected to an end of said arm actuator, wherein said grip handle is capable of swiveling of three hundred sixty degrees about said arm actuator to allow both left handed and right handed use.
 4. The arm exercising device of claim 3 further comprising a hinge mounted to a second end of said base assembly located at an end opposite said base assembly, wherein said actuator shaft is pivotally mounted to said base assembly.
 5. The arm exercising device of claim 4 wherein said resistance medium is formed of a tension mounting shaft having a first end pivotally coupled to said hinge and a band mount located at a second end of said tension mounting shaft located opposite said first end, a tension band is connected at a first end to said band mounting assembly and at a second end to an adjuster connected to said actuator shaft.
 6. The arm exercising device of claim 5 wherein said adjuster is a collar slidably coupled to said actuator shaft, said adjuster has a post extending into the center of said collar, wherein a distribution of resistance setting is made when said post is secured by inserting said post into one of a series of one or more holes located at various heights along said actuator shaft, wherein said distribution of resistance as said actuator shaft, and said arm actuator pivot will be greater during initial movement of said actuator shaft and said arm actuator when said collar is secured at a higher height, and said resistance will be greater near the end movement of said actuator shaft and said arm actuator when said collar is secured at a lower height on said actuator shaft.
 7. The arm exercising device of claim 5 wherein said tension band is removable and can be replaced with a different tension band having a different resistance property.
 8. The arm exercising device of claim 7 wherein there are one or more tension bands for providing greater or lesser resistance.
 9. The arm exercising device of claim 6 further comprising an elbow pad having a base with a padded surface mounted to said base, and an elongated shaft extending from said base, wherein said elongated shaft has a raised notch extending from the surface of said shaft at an end opposite said base; and one or more elbow pad locks located on said hinge, wherein each one of said one or more elbow pad locks has a hole for slidably receiving said elbow pad shaft, wherein said hole each has a groove configured to align with said raised notch on said shaft to allow alignment of said elbow pad, wherein said one or more elbow pad locks further comprise a pivotable latch that pivots to cover the opening of said groove.
 10. The arm exercising device of claim 9 wherein said grip handle is configured to have a hollow channel extending longitudinally through said hollow handle, wherein said hollow channel is configured to receive said elongated shaft of said elbow pad during storage of said arm exercising device.
 11. The arm exercising device of claim 9 further comprising a locking pin for sliding through a locking pin hole extending through said hinge, wherein said locking pin is disposed through said locking pin holes to prevent said tension mounting shaft from pivoting during operation of said arm exercising device.
 12. The arm exercising device of claim 9 further comprising a collar slidably disposed on said tension mounting shaft, wherein said collar prevents said band mounting assembly from pivoting with respect to said hinge by sliding down said tension mounting shaft and abuttingly engaging said hinge.
 13. An arm exercising device comprising: a base assembly having a longitudinally extending telescopic handle connected to a first end of said base assembly and a hinge mounted to a second end opposite said first end, wherein said telescopic handle has a shaft that slides into said first end of base assembly and said shaft has one or more holes configured to line up with a pin lock that is connected to said first end of said base assembly, wherein the extension length of said telescopic handle can be set by allowing said pin lock to drop into said one or more holes on said shaft; an arm actuator coupled to said hinge and bi-directionally pivotable about said base assembly, wherein said arm actuator is telescopic to allow said arm actuator to be lengthened or shortened; a tension mounting shaft having a first end rotatably coupled to said hinge member, and a second end located at an end opposite the first end; on or more tension bands connected between said tension mounting shaft and said arm actuator, wherein a first end of said one or more tension bands is removably connected to said second end of said tension mounting shaft, and a second end of said one or more tension bands is connected to a lower adjuster located on said arm actuator, wherein said lower adjuster can be adjusted to increase or decrease the resistance of said arm actuator as said arm actuator bi-directionally pivots about said base assembly; an elbow pad connected to said hinge and extending perpendicular to said base assembly, wherein said elbow pad has a padded upper surface for allowing a user to place his or her elbow on said pad during operation of said arm exercising device, and a bottom surface having padded seats; and a lock pin removably inserted into said hinge allowing said tension mounting shaft to be held in place during operation of said arm exercising device.
 14. A method of assembly of a portable arm exercising device having a first compact and portable phase and a second expanded operational phase, wherein transition of the arm exercising device between the first and the second phases comprises the steps of: providing a base assembly having a telescopic shaft with a grip handle attached; providing an actuator shaft connected to and bi-directionally rotatable about said base assembly; providing an arm actuator telescopically connectable to the end of said actuator shaft; providing a user interface connected to said actuator shaft; providing a resistance medium connected between said base assembly and said actuator shaft; collapsing said telescopic shaft by sliding said telescopic shaft into said base assembly during said first phase and extending said telescopic shaft and said handle away from said first end of said base assembly when said arm exercising device is in said second phase; rotating said actuator shaft to a position substantially parallel to said base assembly when said arm exercising device is in the first phase, and said actuator shaft rotates to a substantially perpendicular angle to said base assembly when said arm exercising device is in said second phase; locking said resistance medium in place to prevent said resistance medium from rotating during operation of said arm exercising device when said arm exercising device is in said second phase; and operating said arm exercising device by pivoting said arm actuator and said actuator shaft from a substantially perpendicular position with respect to said base assembly to a substantially parallel position with respect to said base assembly.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein the step of operating said arm exercising device further comprises the step of: positioning a swivel grip handle connected to said arm actuator, wherein said swivel grip handle rotates three hundred sixty degrees; and setting the height of said arm actuator, wherein said arm actuator is telescopic with respect to said actuator shaft and is held in place during operation of said arm exercising device by force of said arm actuator against said actuator shaft.
 16. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of: removing an elbow pad from a hollow channel longitudinally disposed through said grip handle; and connecting said elbow pad to said base assembly using an elbow pad shaft connected to said elbow pad, wherein said elbow pad shaft has a raised notch disposed on the surface of said elbow pad shaft, wherein said elbow pad shaft slidably engages one or more elbow pad locks each having a hole with a groove configured to align with said raised notch on said elbow pad shaft. 